apprentice training at farrier school hot fitting horseshoe

Open-mindedness, curiosity and work ethic are paramount in a good apprentice because they spark great teaching moments and fuel the mentor’s desire to instruct.

4 Keys for Overcoming Obstacles After Farrier School

This article was originally published July 31, 2020 and has been updated.


Pictured Above: Open-mindedness, curiosity and work ethic are paramount in a good apprentice because they spark great teaching moments and fuel the mentor’s desire to instruct.

Farrier Takeaways

  • It’s important to remember that farrier schools do not produce farriers, rather farrier apprentices. They teach foundational skills that are developed through exposure to the trade.
  • When choosing a mentor, a new farrier should find someone who is willing to teach and is not just looking for hired help.
  • Farriery is a life-long learning experience. Pursuing continuing education to improve your hoof-care skills is imperative to the success of your small business.

The graduation ceremony is over. That unforgettable feeling of finishing the first horse without the instructor’s help is still fresh. The former strangers who became close friends during the long days of learning and practicing must now go their separate ways. It’s time to head into the real world of farriery. Where do you start?

These thoughts and feelings are normal for most newcomers. Once the reality sets in, the road to building a successful farrier business might not seem as easy as you once believed. It is indeed a very long road. Mastering farriery requires a lifetime of commitment to learning and self-improvement and these tips will help you overcome the initial challenges.

1 Continue Learning

Horseshoeing schools lay down the foundational skills upon which the real learning takes place through exposure to the trade. But newly learned skills, if not balanced by experience and proper guidance, can be…

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Diego almeida

Diego Almeida

Diego Almeida, CJF (EE, FE, TE), AWCF, is an instructor at Midwest Horseshoeing School and provides farrier services for the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.

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